Read our review of Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, featuring songs by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, is on view at the Empress Museum through March 31st.
First of all, this is not The Greatest Showman. Yes, there are songs, costumes, and even a circus. But if you’re expecting a replica of Michael Gracey’s box office smash, lower your expectations. But if a night with at least a clear intention of paying homage to Disney musicals still appeals to you, then join us. Come Alive! remains an extravaganza of festivity and spectacle, so get ready to enjoy.
A stage project directly inspired by the film is already underway. But the mashup concept, which basically puts various elements of The Greatest Showman on Simon Hammerstein’s stage, might satisfy fans while they wait.
A huge building in Earl’s Court was repurposed for this ‘circus spectacle’ and renamed the Empress Museum. The audience strolls through the gallery to reach the big summit of the main performance. There, the ringmaster’s glittering jacket stands proud behind glass, there are flashy posters of snake charmers and magicians, and kitchen trucks waiting to sell chips and burgers. And popcorn.
It has the atmosphere of a secret cinema event. A dressing room with costumes is displayed throughout the floor, and a fortune-telling hut is decorated around the perimeter of the round hut. Immediately we are shown to our seats and the performance begins. This is followed by fire-breathing, tightrope walking, trapeze acts, and vaudeville-style dancing, eliciting lots of “oohs” and “aahs” from around the audience.
It’s definitely impressive. The circus rivals the likes of Cirque du Soleil, and this 700-seat venue gives you a better view of the acts. The problem is that the stories Hammerstein chooses to tie the whole thing together have no real structure or purpose.
Simon Bailey is the showman and newcomer Max (Aaliyah Mai) shows up ready to learn the ropes. He encourages her to step out on her own, away from her partner Corey. Some run around the Big Top in agony, shouting the name. But that’s about all you get in terms of clarity over a 100-minute performance.
Indeed, circus acts aren’t famous for their storytelling. But the thing is, The Greatest Showman already has a much-loved story and an even better one. We can’t help but want to see it here.
Complaints aside, today is a wild night full of fun and games. Benji Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs sound just as thrilling live as they do on screen. And for die-hard fans of the film, the chance to hear the songs played at maximum volume, even though there are a lot of them, will be enough of a treat.
Come alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular runs through March 31, 2025 at the Empress Museum. Book Come Alive! tickets for The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at the London Theatre.
Photo Credit: Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (Photo: Luke Dyson)
